The radiator in a 1997 Ford Taurus is a single row radiator with an aluminum core and plastic side tanks. While the radiator sits behind the front grille, it can be easily damaged by road debris or plugged up by using tap water in the coolant mixture. Failure to flush the system regularly can also lead to a plugged radiator. If the radiator is damaged or plugged, it will need to be replaced. If you have a basic understanding of automotive repair, some mechanical inclination and tools, you can replace it yourself and save a few dollars.
Disconnect the negative and then the positive battery cables, using the battery wrench. Remove the battery and battery tray using the socket set to remove their retaining fasteners. Remove the constant control relay module by hand and place it out of the way.
Raise the front end of the Taurus with a jack and set it on jack stands. Open the hood, remove the radiator cap and place the catch pan under the front end. Remove the overflow hose from the radiator filler neck. Climb underneath the front end with a rag, pliers and socket set. Use the socket set to remove the splash guard.
Move the catch pan so that it is directly below the radiator petcock located on the bottom of the side tank. Place the rag around the petcock and open it with the pliers. The rag will prevent the pliers from damaging the petcock. Allow the coolant to drain then move the catch pan under the lower radiator hose.
Loosen the lower radiator hose clamp where the hose meets the radiator and pull the hose off the radiator inlet. Allow the coolant to drain from the hose into the catch pan while you climb out from under the Taurus. Loosen the upper radiator hose clamp where the upper hose meets the radiator. Pull the upper hose off the radiator. Unbolt and remove the radiator mounting bracket.
Unbolt the air conditioning condenser with the socket set. Unclip and remove the transaxle cooler lines with the fuel line disconnect tool, then unbolt and remove the condenser bracket. Unbolt the oil cooler retaining bracket and move the cooler out of the way along with the air conditioning condenser.
Use the socket set to unbolt the four fasteners that hold the radiator in place. Remove the radiator support bracket. Lift the radiator up and out of the Taurus.
